Fix Home Router IP Conflict Guide | Generated by AI

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Question: What if there’s an IP conflict, no response, and I can only connect to one router, where that router is connected to an access point router in the home?

Answer:

If you’re experiencing IP address conflicts (common error: “IP address conflict” on Windows, or devices can’t get online, slow/no internet, can’t reach the router admin page) in a home setup where one router is acting as an Access Point (AP) connected to the main router, here’s what usually happens and how to fix it step by step.

Most Common Cause in Your Setup

You have:

Problem scenarios:

  1. The second router is still in Router mode (not changed to AP mode) → It runs its own DHCP server → It hands out the same IP range as the main router → IP conflict (two devices fight over who gives 192.168.0.100, for example).
  2. Both routers have the same LAN IP (e.g. both set to 192.168.0.1) → Direct IP conflict on the management address.
  3. After setting AP mode incorrectly (e.g. WAN port used instead of LAN, or DHCP not disabled), it still tries to act as a router.
  4. In Mesh/EasyMesh setup, one node got misconfigured or firmware glitch caused overlapping DHCP.

Symptoms you see:

Step-by-Step Fix (Start from Simplest)

  1. Physically disconnect the second router (unplug its power and Ethernet cable from the main router)
    → This stops the conflicting DHCP immediately.
    → Now only the main router is running → Most devices should get internet back quickly.

  2. Connect a computer directly to the main router (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)
    → Make sure you have internet and can open its admin page (usually 192.168.0.1 or tplinkwifi.net).

  3. Factory reset the second router (the one you want to use as AP)
    • Press RESET hole 10+ seconds while powered on → lights flash/reboot.
    • This clears any bad settings.
  4. Set the second router to Access Point mode correctly (critical step to avoid IP conflict forever)
    Method A: Via web (recommended)
    • Temporarily connect computer to the second router only (Wi-Fi or Ethernet to one of its LAN ports).
    • Open browser → http://tplinkwifi.net or 192.168.0.1 (default after reset).
    • Log in (admin/admin or set new password).
    • Go to Advanced > Operation Mode (or System > Operation Mode).
    • Choose Access Point mode → Save → It will reboot.
    • Important: After reboot, its IP usually changes to something like 192.168.0.2 (auto-assigned by main router).
    • Check the sticker or app to find new IP, or look in main router’s “Connected Devices” list.

    Method B: Use TP-Link app (if web is hard)

    • TP-Link Wi-Fi app → Add device → Choose AP mode during setup.
  5. Re-connect the second router properly
    • Use Ethernet cable: Main router LAN port → Second router LAN port (NOT WAN port!).
    • Power on second router.
    • It should now get IP from main router (no longer runs DHCP).
    • Wi-Fi name/password can be same as main (for seamless roaming) or different.
  6. Verify no conflict
    • On a computer/phone: Open cmd (Windows) or terminal → type ipconfig (Windows) or ifconfig/ip addr (others).
    • Default gateway should be only the main router’s IP (e.g. 192.168.0.1).
    • Try pinging both routers’ IPs → both should respond.
    • Open both admin pages → should work without conflict.

If Still No Response / Can’t Connect After Reset

Quick Prevention Tips

Follow these steps in order — 90% of IP conflict + no response issues in home AP setups are fixed by step 4 + correct cable connection. If still stuck, tell me: which exact models are main and AP router, and what IP your device gets now (from ipconfig).

References:

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